Trees and Forests of Tropical Asia: Exploring Tapovan

Trees and Forests of Tropical Asia is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and beautifully illustrated synthesis of the natural history of tropical Asian forests, written by Peter Ashton and David Lee, two of the world's leading scholars on Asian tropical rain forests. It explores the geology, climate, species diversity, evolution, and human impact on these unique landscapes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Trees and Forests of Tropical Asia is a captivating and comprehensive exploration of the natural history of this remarkable region. Drawing upon decades of dedicated research into tropical Asian forests, the book offers a timely and richly illustrated synthesis of knowledge. It invites readers on an exhilarating expedition into the lush, humid, and densely forested landscapes of tropical Asia, known as the tapovan, a Sanskrit term for the forest where wisdom is attained through the inner struggle of tapasya.

Co-authored by two esteemed scholars in the field of Asian tropical rain forests, Peter Ashton and David Lee, this authoritative work delves into the intricate geology and climate that have shaped these unique ecosystems. It unveils the remarkable diversity of species that thrive within these forests, shedding light on the evolutionary processes that enable rain forest tree species to carve out their distinct ecological niches. Moreover, it explores the profound impact of human activities on the landscapes of tropical Asia over centuries, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities posed by our interactions with these remarkable environments.

Following Peter Ashton's groundbreaking On the Forests of Tropical Asia, the first comprehensive book to describe the forests of the entire tropical Asian region, from India to New Guinea, Trees and Forests of Tropical Asia provides a more concise and updated overview of these remarkable forests. Written in a clear and accessible style, the book caters to students, tropical forest biologists, ecologists, and conservation biologists alike, offering a valuable resource for understanding the complexities and wonders of tropical Asian forests.

Through its captivating narratives, stunning photographs, and detailed scientific explanations, Trees and Forests of Tropical Asia takes readers on a journey of discovery, illuminating the rich tapestry of life that inhabits these forests and the critical role they play in shaping our planet's biodiversity and climate. This book serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with and commitment to preserving these invaluable natural treasures.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226535555